The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) is a popular community organization that provides a variety of programs and services to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. However, as a non-profit organization, the YMCA does close on major holidays to allow their employees time off to spend with family and friends.
Major Federal Holidays
Most YMCA locations are closed on major federal holidays, including:
- New Year’s Day (January 1st)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4th)
- Labor Day (First Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25th)
On these holidays, most YMCAs will close all facilities and suspend programs and services for members. This allows employees to have guaranteed paid time off to be with loved ones on holidays.
Other Holiday Closures
In addition to federal holidays, many YMCA locations also close on the following days:
- Easter Sunday – Most YMCAs close on this Christian holiday, which falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25 each year.
- Christmas Eve/New Year’s Eve – Many locations close early (e.g. 3pm) on both Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Eve (December 31) so employees can celebrate.
- Thanksgiving weekend – Some YMCAs will close early on Thanksgiving Day and even the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving to give staff an extra long weekend.
Reduced Hours
While closed on the holidays above, some YMCAs keep select facilities open but with reduced hours on days like:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Christmas Eve
- New Year’s Eve
- Day after Thanksgiving
This allows members limited access to exercise equipment or pools while still giving most employees holiday time off. Check with your local branch for specific hours.
Floating Holidays
YMCA employees often receive floating holidays that they can use at their discretion to take time off for religious, cultural or personal holidays not covered above. For example, staff might take floating holidays to have all or part of the day off on:
- Good Friday
- Rosh Hashanah
- Yom Kippur
- Diwali
- Eid al-Fitr
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
While floating holidays allow flexibility for employees, members will generally not see closures or changes in hours due to one staff member taking a floating holiday.
Summer and Weather Closures
While less common, YMCA branches can sometimes close due to summer schedules or inclement weather such as:
- Summer – Some smaller YMCAs in resort/vacation areas close for a few weeks in the summer due to decreased demand when school is out.
- Extreme Heat – For health safety, pools and outdoor programs may close early or altogether on days over 100°F.
- Winter Storms – Locations may have delayed openings or early closures due to several inches of snow or icy roads.
Unexpected Closures
In rare cases of emergencies or unusual situations, YMCA CEOs can opt to close branches even when not a federal holiday or weekend. Reasons are usually due to:
- Power outages
- HVAC system failure
- Burst water pipes
- Fires
However, even in these scenarios, YMCA leadership tries to avoid full-day closures if possible for member and community convenience.
Check Your Local YMCA Website
While most YMCAs close on major holidays, hours and closure policies can still vary depending on your state, city and individual location. For example, university YMCAs may have more flexible holiday hours based on student needs.
For the most accurate, up-to-date information on YMCA holiday closures, reduced hours and additional closures, visit or call your nearest YMCA location directly. Staff can confirm special hours for upcoming holidays.
Many YMCAs also post holiday closure notices prominently on their website homepage or on social media pages. Checking these sites can assure you are aware of any closure dates that could impact your membership and access to facilities.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Disruption
With some advance planning, you can avoid disruption to your fitness routine when the YMCA is closed on a holiday.
- Check your Y’s website to see upcoming closures on holidays or staff training days.
- Note dates the YMCA could be closed or have limited hours.
- Make backup plans for workouts on those dates, like going for a run outside.
- Take advantage of holiday sales to buy home gym equipment.
While branch closures can be inconvenient, remember that holidays also give the amazing YMCA staff time to rest and recharge so they can continue serving your community.
